Pakistan: Reflections on the 70^th Independence Day: Imperatives of Optimism and Future-Making

Mahboob A. Khawaja

The 14 August Independence Day should have been a day for the people to rejoice and value the imperatives of the 70th Independence Day across Pakistan.  Flag waving, military parades and political salutes are not what people are looking to as the future-building of the nation. It should be a self-reflection on the national priorities for a new system of political governance, encouragement of the educated and intellectually mature people to hold offices of political responsibility and articulate plans for change and development of the nation to stand amongst the progressive nations of the 21^stcentury global community. The political elite and the people live in a conflicting time zone being unable to understand the meaning and essence of the Pakistan Freedom Movement. This purpose needs unwavering public commitment and continuous struggle to political change. It needs not to be invented, it is living in the mind and spirit of the people, it just needs to be revitalized and better organized as the momentum is waiting for the grieving people..

Pakistan urgently needs a savior, not Sharif, Bhuttos or the few Generals. The solution must come from the thinking people of the new educated generation – the intelligent Pakistanis to facilitate hope and optimism for a sustainable future of the beleaguered nation. This should be the framework of the message and active agenda for change and reformation as the core of the celebration of the Pakistan’s 70^th Independence Day